Month: July 2023

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

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Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper is the first audiobook in the Starfall paranormal series and is available in Audible Plus. Narrated by Amanda Ronconi & Teddy Hamilton this cozy, small-island tale will pull you in from ghosts to mysteries.

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

Witches Get Stuff Done
by Molly Harper
Series: Starfall #1
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi, Teddy Hamilton
Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Audible Plus
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

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Reigning queen of paranormal romantic comedy Molly Harper is back with the first book in a spellbinding new series!

Riley Denton-Everett always felt like something was missing in her life—and her numerous odd jobs and short-lived relationships haven’t brought her any closer to finding it. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious message: You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.

When Riley arrives on the island, she learns her aunt has left her a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques. Turns out, that’s not the only thing she’s inherited. Riley also hails from a long line of witches whose magic is critical to protecting the living.

Edison Held, the town’s frustratingly hot librarian, is completely unaware of the ghosts in Riley’s ancestral home and is determined to convince her to open it up to the public. Riley starts to wonder if Edison’s knowledge of the island’s history can help her get a handle on her new powers—but can she trust him with her secr

magical paranormal RomCom Small-town

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Witches get Stuff Done was a light, cozy paranormal romcom set on Starfall Point island, a quaint tourist town accessible by ferry. Riley Denton-Everett gets a request from her aunt. It said, “You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.” Only when Riley arrives her aunt is dead and a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques and ghostly aspirations. Riley learns that she comes from a long line of witches whose magic protects the living.

In true Harper fashion she delivered colorful characters from new besties to ghosts. I adore the butler and chuckled at some of the haunted antiques. As we learn the backstory of the Denton’s along with Riley, we encounter several problem antiques and a budding romance with Edison Held, the local librarian who knows nothing of ghosts. It was a hoot and not without complications.

From learning her new powers to finding a place for herself, this story pulled me in. Amanda Ronconi delivered the chapters from Riley’s perspective and did a delightful job with her and secondary characters. Teddy Hamilton brought our hot librarian to life and added to the story.

Fans of light paranormal romcoms with a touch of mystery and plenty of ghosts will want to travel to Starfall Point. I am hoping we get the next audiobook in October.

Amazon | Audible


Witches Get Stuff Done Molly Harper is the first audiobook in the StarFall Point series. Narrated by Amanda Ronconi &Teddy Hamilton #Paranormal #RomCom #audiobookreview
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About Molly Harper

Molly Harper

Molly Harper worked for six years as a reporter and humor columnist for The Paducah Sun. Her reporting duties included covering courts, school board meetings, quilt shows, and once, the arrest of a Florida man who faked his suicide by shark attack and spent the next few months tossing pies at a local pizzeria. Molly lives in western Kentucky with her family.

About Amanda Ronconi

Amanda Ronconi

Amanda is a 2020 Audie Award Nominee and Earphones-Award-winning narrator who has recorded over 150 audiobooks including AUDIBLE’S BEST ROMANCE OF THE YEAR (2017) and AUDIBLE’S BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE OF THE YEAR (2018). She has performed in theaters around New York City and regionally, as well as in commercials. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity.

About Teddy Hamilton

A soldier, an athlete, a comedian, and a softer kind of soul, Teddy Hamilton is the guy to fill any need. Known best for his work in the Him series by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy, and the Mister series by JA Huss, Teddy has lent his voice to over eighty titles, some sweet and some salty, always with a lot of passion and heart.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 2023 Audiobook Challenge

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/07/witches-get-stuff-done-by-molly-harper.html

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Mangrove Sands The Enchanted Seaworld The Epic Journey

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L.J. Nilsson’s captivating children’s narrative, The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey, takes us on a journey filled with wonder, magic, and transformative life lessons. The story centers around six children, each grappling with a challenging past, whose lives take an extraordinary turn when they are whisked away from their gloomy existence by Parlow the Pelican and spirited to an enchanted sea world.

Their induction into this fantastical realm comes in the form of a mystical seaweed necklace inscribed with a golden ingot and a code of silence. This talisman becomes their key to unlocking the marvels of an underwater kingdom where they are free to explore and interact with an array of sea creatures and birds.

In this aquatic haven, the children embark on adventures and are taught valuable life lessons by their mentors. Nilsson skillfully infuses the narrative with a remarkable sense of whimsy and imagination that forms the backbone of this delightful book. The relationships between the children, depicted in numerous heartwarming vignettes, serve as the story’s emotional core. Scenes like Jake’s concern for Saige when she first arrives at his school, or Jake’s friendly races with Wanjee are strikingly poignant and give a refreshing authenticity to the narrative.

The enchantment of The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey is further elevated by the author’s inclusion of Swedish words, thoughtfully translated into English for the readers. This element adds a unique cultural dimension to the narrative. Each character stands out with its unique personality, contributing to the narrative’s vibrancy and appeal.

Despite some pacing issues, with the story occasionally seeming to leap between scenarios without extensive elaboration, the narrative retains a certain charm. One could argue that the brisk pace aligns well with a child’s perspective, who might appreciate the excitement without demanding elaborate detail. This subtle pacing strategy ensures that the narrative remains magical and adventurous without being overwhelming. This approach makes The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey a stimulating read for children, creating just the right amount of thrill.

The Enchanted Sea World: The Epic Journey by L. J. Nilsson is a mesmerizing children’s book, brimming with fantasy, exploration, and character-driven narratives. This magical journey through an undersea kingdom offers young readers an enchanting escape while subtly imparting life lessons, making it a tranquil and rewarding reading experience.

Page 173 | ASIN : B0CC613WMM

Buy Now From Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/07/31/mangrove-sands-the-enchanted-seaworld-the-epic-journey/

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Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond among the States

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In the depths of the colonial era, the arduous task of navigating terrestrial routes to bustling trading hubs such as Philadelphia was a daunting task for merchants. A watershed moment arrived, however, with the serendipitous stranding of a European explorer on the almost forsaken Delamalva Peninsula. During this unforeseen situation, he discovered an untapped waterway destined to become an essential artery for the transportation of goods. As the waterway grew in significance, it attracted European settlers, ultimately leading to legislation and conflict. This is the riveting narrative of Delaware, traced back to an era long before the inauguration of railroads.

In Delaware Before the Railroads, Dave Tabler embarks on a journey of visually narrating the history of Delaware prior to the advent of railway transportation. It manifests as a priceless repository, providing a comprehensive and vivid depiction of the state’s past. The book meticulously delineates the transformation of the state, from indigenous settlements to the emergence of ancient European-inspired edifices, encapsulating the evolution of Delaware’s identity. Each facet of Delaware’s past, be it paintings, sculptures, replicas, monuments, age-old structures, or even the very locations that bore witness to key historical events, is explored and explicated in depth.

Dave Tabler has honed the art of meticulous research, effectively encapsulating and presenting this significant chapter of Delaware’s history. His narration strikes a fine balance between entertainment, engagement, and education. While the coordination of the images and their related descriptions might be perceived as somewhat intricate at times, the overall content remains an engrossing read.

Whether you’re an aficionado of history, a tourist seeking a detailed guidebook, an art enthusiast, or someone seeking to understand Delaware’s roots, Delaware Before the Railroads offers a wealth of insight that will leave you both enlightened and inspired.

Pages: 103 | ASIN : B0BHKQTX11

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/07/31/delaware-before-the-railroads-a-diamond-among-the-states/

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Third Moon Passing

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In Haedong Village during the 19th century, the lives of two Korean girls, Daseul and Wolhwa, are unexpectedly intertwined with the realm of gods that have long existed but are still heavily debated. With an ominous curse hanging over them, hidden adversaries, and the impending threat of Western forces, Daseul and Wolhwa must unravel the secrets of their shared past before it’s too late.

Third Moon Passing, by Rina Olsen, is a mesmerizing and enchanting tale that seamlessly weaves together ancient folklore, mythology, and historical events. With its richly developed characters, evocative setting, and a captivating blend of fantasy and reality, Olsen delivers a spellbinding narrative that will transport readers into a world where gods and humans coexist.

Olsen’s prose is poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the village and its surroundings. Her meticulous attention to detail breathes life into folklore and mythology, immersing readers in a world where gods walk the earth and shape the course of history. The author effortlessly blends fantasy elements with historical events, creating a seamless and believable narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, the characters are multifaceted and deeply relatable. Daseul, the shaman’s rebellious daughter, exudes strength and determination, while Wolhwa, the tomboyish scholar’s daughter, brings a refreshing mix of intelligence and bravery. The dynamic between the two girls is beautifully portrayed as they navigate their intertwined destinies and confront the challenges thrown their way. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each adding layers of depth to the narrative. Moreover, the plot of the novel is intricately woven, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and romance. Olsen skillfully builds tension and suspense, steadily unraveling the mysteries surrounding the girls’ past and the consequences of the gods’ involvement in their lives. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection and introspection amidst the action-packed sequences.

Third Moon Passing is a mesmerizing and enchanting read that will captivate fans of fantasy, mythology, and historical fiction. Rina Olsen’s storytelling, richly imagined world, and well-crafted characters make for a compelling narrative. The novel offers a unique and immersive reading experience. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy novels with a blend of mythology and history, like the Percy Jackson books, where the workings of gods and other creatures also helped shape events that are discussed in history books.

Pages: 413 | ASIN : B0C822PBDJ

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/07/31/third-moon-passing/

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The Value of Giving

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J. R. Buchta Author Interview

“The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story” is a heartwarming Santa Claus origin story that follows young orphan Lucas, who, after a selfless act of kindness, is taken on a magical journey to the North Pole. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My father was a great storyteller. When I was a boy, he entertained me and my friends by reciting poems and spinning yarns. I am sure that I inherited the ability to write songs and tell stories from him.

The inspiration for The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story came from a childhood event that taught me the value of sharing.

I applied the lesson that I learned from that event and expanded it to form the basis of the story. I placed the characters in situations that would exhibit the value of giving away something that one holds dear, in an entertaining way for children.

Since Christmastime is a time of giving, it seemed like the perfect setting for the story. The trappings of the holiday and the general spirit of the season allowed for the plot to be conveyed through some traditional experiences and a twist in the plot that added a new wrinkle to a well-established tale.

The illustrations by Erin O’Leary Brown play a significant role in bringing your story to life. Can you share more about the collaboration process between you two?

When I first approached Erin with the project, she was busy working on other tasks and was unable to get involved with the story. Happily, after a few weeks, her schedule loosened up and we were able to exchange ideas about the book. After I sent her the manuscript, she thought that we had a good match of skills and could effectively bring the book to life. From the outset, she and I agreed on ninety-nine percent of everything we thought about the manner in which the story should be illustrated. Her initial list of illustrations matched mine to a tee. Her sketches were spot on and really captured the magic and beauty of the story. We shared an identical vision of how the book should look. Working with her was a joy.

What do you hope young readers take away from Lucas’ journey and transformation in The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story?

The most important takeaway from the story is the value of giving and how it can be transformative in one’s life.

It’s always better to be kind to others. Kindness is the most powerful magic known and will always reward the bestower as much, if not more, than the recipient.

Lucas learns these lessons from an unselfish act that he performs to make another person happy.

The initial joy of his good deed is far surpassed by the magical journey that leads him to his destiny.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

At the moment, I am working on two books.

One is a story about elves and the other is a novelty book about Grandfathers.

I would expect that one or both books will be available in 2024.

I am also working on the background music for the audiobook that will be released after the initial launch.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook JR Buchta | Website

A little boy goes on a fantastic Christmas adventure in this story of a kind gesture that results in a magical journey.
It’s an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message. 
Brought to life by beautiful illustrations, this enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of a single good deed that changed the world forever.  It has all the makings of an annual read for families at Christmastime and a fresh look at some age-old traditions that will surely pique the interest of readers.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/07/31/the-value-of-giving/

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I’ve Always Believed In Destiny

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Michele L Sayre Author Interview

Darke Realms: ENRAGED follows a golden-hearted Gorgon healer and a solitary Scorpion telepath who must navigate the treacherous path from strangers to fated mates, discovering that their strength lies in unity. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?

Source 1 – I’ve always believed in destiny; that the universe has a grander plan in place than any of us can ever conceive. Source 2 – Evil exists, even if you don’t want to acknowledge it. There’s always someone somewhere who’s doing something they know they shouldn’t. Source 3 – You can’t help the way you were born. All we can do is make the best of what we are given. Source 4 – No one was meant to live their lives alone or we would have come out that way to begin with. Humans are social creatures – we quite literally can die from the lack of touch and love.
Source 5 – Every one needs someone to love, even if it is themselves.

What was your primary inspiration for the intriguing characters Xivani Stone and Hathrat Scorch?

A common theme you will see in a lot of my books is my fascination with world mythology. Gorgons come from Greek mythology, which, like most history, is heavily centered on male-orientated actions and views. Medusa – the most famous Gorgon – was raped by a man and punished by a woman for a rape she could not prevent. She was punished by being turned into a monster. I just thought that she deserved better. Why not take a story about destruction and turn it into one about healing.

Hathrat actually came from Akkadian mythology about the aqrabuamelu (scorpion men) in the Middle East. Most mythology covered in books usually pertains to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Norse gods. I just wanted the mythology I covered to be more inclusive of the world, so – Hathrat was born.

Diversity and representation are evident in your work. How important do you think is the role of inclusivity in modern literature, especially in genres like fantasy and romance?

The universe was made with such variety of animals, people, geography, religion, etc. Why would we not want to see that variety reflected in our literature? Everything can be unique and still remain the same because every living thing on this planet just wants to live, to love, and be happy. We all love, we all fear, and we all deserve to share our inner light with the world.

The shifting perspectives between Xivani and Scorn provide a deeper insight into their thoughts, emotions, and attitudes. How challenging was it for you to alternate between these perspectives and maintain their distinct voices?

I think it’s much easier to keep the different perspectives separate when they are of the opposite sex, but there is also a commonality, too, because everyone – whether they realize it or not – is searching for some place where they belong. There’s always going to be those elements that bring us together.

It also doesn’t hurt that I can hear each character in my head speaking to me. They live there until I let them out onto the pages of a book. There’s nothing more compelling than unleashing one’s thoughts out into an unsuspecting world!

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website

Mythology and legendary stories were made to entertain and hopefully make sense of the world. That doesn’t mean they speak on truth. Many times history is written by the victors, and mythology often was written to the detriment of what was considered the villains of that time.

How do I know this? From personal experience is how. My name is Xivani Stone, and I am a Gorgon. Yes, you guessed it – I’m one of those monstrous women creatures from mythology that was said to turn anyone to stone that looked upon our faces. Our most famous Gorgon sister was Medusa – made into a monster by a god and condemned to a life of misery.

Thankfully, there’s enough good people in the world that another god lessened that curse and let us become healers instead . . . most of the time anyway.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t still bad people in the world – humans, gods, and Supernaturals (or other creatures of the night).

It’s those villains with bad hearts and bad intentions that we fight. Shockingly enough, I’ve met my mate – Scorn – and his league of scorpion men assassins who were made to protect the world from the evil threatening to consume it.

There are plenty of bad actors – humans, gods, creatures that go bump in the night – is it any wonder that the rest of us are struggling to defeat the darkness? Even with the help of the half-human/half-angel hybrid – the Arcana – I still wonder if the world be strong enough to survive an evil that will never die – hatred.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/07/31/ive-always-believed-in-destiny/

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Do the Right Thing

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To the Editors: In your issue of April 20, 2023, The New York Review published a letter to the editors [Manolis Vasilakis, “Shameful Profits”] in which the Bundesarchiv (Federal Archives) is accused of “profiting from the evidence of the Nazis’ crimes against humanity.” We reject this and take the following position. The Bundesarchiv is required […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/08/17/do-the-right-thing/

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Another Trace of Anti-Jewish Libel in Europe

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To the Editors: To Magda Teter’s point, in “Reckoning with a Troubled Past” [NYR, March 23], that “no physical traces have survived” of anti-Jewish libels in Europe beyond the two she references, may I add another: the Latin inscription beneath the Madonna della Rosa ensconced on the exterior of Orsanmichele in Florence: “HANC FERRO EFFIGIEM […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/08/17/another-trace-of-anti-jewish-libel-in-europe/

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Deprivation Exercises

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Years ago, when assigning my graduate students Ágota Kristóf’s The Notebook (1986)—a hair-raising novel told from the perspective of identical twin boys in an unnamed war-torn country—I’d joke that they shouldn’t confuse it with the identically titled Nicholas Sparks best seller. It was fun to imagine one of them renting the film adaptation of the […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/08/17/deprivation-exercises-the-illiterate-agota-kristof/

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An Off-Kilter Epic

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Theater performances always have a settling-in period, those tortured or merely awkward first minutes in which the audience hasn’t quite left behind the world outside. The length and difficulty of the adjustment often correlate with the distance between the play’s language and setting and our own. Even, or maybe especially, in a good Shakespeare production, […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/07/30/an-off-kilter-epic-tennessee-williams/

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